Feed after surgery (sorry a bit long)

[supagran]

My mare had surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago to remove tumour from her ovary. She came home after 8 days and seemed to be very "tucked up", but vets said she was still in pain and gave us painkillers. However, now she seems to be dropping her weight in front of our eyes. She was well covered, to the point of being overweight (despite restricted grazing) before the op, but now realise that's probably because of the hormonal changes. Now her spine is standing up, there is a definite dip in her back behind her rib cage before her bum. She's lost all her belly and still looks tucked up, but although her ribs can be felt they aren't visible, yet. Vets have been to take her stitches out and weren't worried at all about her weight. Unfortunately she still has at least another week on box rest, and then can only go out in a very small paddock - ie not big enough for her to trot in, so there's not going to be much grass in there. Has anyone got any idea of how to put some weight on her? She's always been a REALLY good doer.
Her regime at present is ad lib hay (she's only eating about 10-12lb a day) and two feeds of mix for resting/light weight and alfa a. She gets walked out twice a day, and if its not raining goes into a small concrete corral (lives on a farm) for a few hours a day.

 

[TayloredEq]

I would suggest you ring a feed company (I used Baileys when my boy had surgery). they have qualified nutritionists who can set you out a suitable diet. This service is generally free.

 

[supagran]

I also thought about contacting a feed company and as other horse is on TopSpec thought I would ring them tomorrow. They seemed very helpful when we contacted them about that one. Still would welcome any suggestions though.

 

[Darkly_Dreaming_Dex]

Our big horse had surgery 3 weeks ago and was looking very poor. We have put him on Dodson & Horrell Convalescent Diet. He loves it and its really helping without making him too manic whilst on box rest- reasonable price too

 

[little_pink_piggies]

Maybe run her on some equine gold or a similar prebiotic for a few weeks to see if that helps?

 

[stroppymare153]

Haven't got much experience of surgery but Oakley had colic surgery in March and by day 2 was desperate for food (which he wasn't allowed

) Sounds as though your mare is still feeling a bit crap - how does she seem in herself? Could try tempting her with really tasty treats eg horsehage, calm&condition made up like sloppy porridge (ours all love that!), plenty of apples etc. If that doesn't work, tbh, I would get back in touch with vet - or maybe a different vet.
Hope she picks up soon.

 

[marble]

a company called Rowan Barbary near Whitchurch in Shropshire, make a wonderful feed for convalscent and sick horses, its used mostly for horses who have had colic surgery, a friend of mine in Northern Ireland had some sent over for her mare after a big operation for colic, and it was wonderful to see the weight go back on. You, I think, use it with water. Try them, the telephone number is 01948 880590

 

[Tnavas]

Are you able to cut grass for her! Nothing like fresh grass to pick up her appetite. One of those weed eater things with a blade on it cuts grass easily.

Keep an eye on her temperature in case she develops an infection.